What Do You Normally Do at a Bridal Shower? Fun Ideas for Celebration and Connection

A bridal shower is a special event usually held a few months before the wedding. At a bridal shower, the guests enjoy fun games, share heartfelt moments, and give thoughtful gifts to the bride-to-be. This gathering offers a chance for family and friends to come together and celebrate the upcoming nuptials while creating lasting memories.

A group of women sit around a table, sipping drinks and chatting. A pile of colorful gift bags and boxes sits in the center

Guests often partake in activities like games that test your knowledge about the couple or fun quizzes. You might also enjoy delicious food and drinks, adding to the festive atmosphere. As a guest, bringing a gift for the bride is common, and you might even find some time to chat and bond with other attendees.

Whether you’re helping to plan the event or attending as a guest, a bridal shower is all about joy, laughter, and support for the bride as she embarks on this exciting new chapter. Find out what else you can expect and how to make the most of this wonderful occasion.

Planning a Bridal Shower

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Planning a bridal shower can be a fun and rewarding experience. You’ll want to consider who will host the event, how much to spend, and who to invite. Here’s how to get started.

Determining the Host and Budget

Usually, the maid of honor takes on the role of the bridal shower host. However, close friends or family members can also help organize the event. It’s important to have a discussion with the bride about who she’d like to invite, including any special guests.

Decide on a budget early on. This budget will guide you in planning the venue, food, decorations, and activities. Discuss whether the host will cover all costs or if guests will chip in, as this can affect your overall spending.

Creating the Guest List

When creating the guest list, focus on those who are important to the bride. Include close family, friends, and anyone she wants there to celebrate her upcoming wedding.

Consider a mix of guests who might not know each other well but share special connections with the bride. Keep in mind that this list may differ from the wedding guest list. Bridal showers typically have a more intimate setting. Be sure to confirm with the bride before finalizing who will be invited to avoid any surprises.

Choosing a Theme and Location

Selecting a theme can make your bridal shower unique and memorable. Think about the bride’s interests or hobbies. Popular themes include garden parties, tea parties, or even something trendy like a spa day. A theme helps tie together decorations, food, and activities.

Once you settle on a theme, it’s time to pick a location. Consider hosting it at a home, a park, or a restaurant, depending on your budget and number of guests. Make sure the location is convenient for guests and has enough space to enjoy games and activities planned.

Sending Out Invitations

Sending out invitations is an important step in the planning process. Formal invitations can be physical cards or digital options.

Make sure to include essential details: the date, time, location, and any specific instructions like dress code or what to bring. It’s best to send out invitations at least four to six weeks ahead of the shower. This allows guests enough time to RSVP and make plans. Keep in mind that some people may need to travel, so sending them out earlier is always a good idea.

Activities and Traditions

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At a bridal shower, you can expect a mix of engaging activities and meaningful traditions. These experiences allow everyone to celebrate the bride-to-be while creating lasting memories. Here’s what typically happens at a bridal shower.

Engaging Bridal Shower Games

Games are a popular way to keep the fun alive at a bridal shower. They can help guests mingle and break the ice. You might play classic games like “Bridal Bingo,” where guests mark items they think the bride will receive on her gift list.

Another favorite is the “Toilet Paper Wedding Dress” contest, where teams create dresses using only toilet paper. These games often lead to lots of laughs and great stories. Be sure to provide small prizes for the winners to increase enthusiasm!

The Gift-Giving Process

Gift-giving is a central part of a bridal shower. It’s a way for guests to show love and support for the bride-to-be.

Typically, the bride will sit in a designated spot while guests present their gifts during the event. As she opens each gift, the other guests may take turns noting what she received. This is a good time to practice your gift-giving notes or what to write in a bridal shower card.

Remember to encourage excitement and gratitude when the bride shows her appreciation for each gift.

Honoring the Bride-to-Be

The bridal shower is all about celebrating the bride. Special moments often include speeches or toasts acknowledging her journey to marriage. You can also include a “roast,” where friends share funny anecdotes about their adventures together.

It’s thoughtful to create a scrapbook or memory book where guests can write notes or share advice for the future. This book will become a cherished keepsake for the bride. Including the bridal party and bridesmaids in these activities helps strengthen their bond and makes the event even more special.

Commemorative Photos

Pictures are essential at a bridal shower. Capture moments throughout the day to remember the celebration.

You can set up a photo booth area with props for guests to use. This encourages fun and creativity while taking memorable photos. You might also consider hiring a photographer or assigning a friend to take candid shots throughout the event. These photos will be wonderful reminders of the day, and you can share them with everyone afterward. Don’t forget to take a group photo with the bride-to-be for her to treasure!

Food, Drinks, and Favors

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At a bridal shower, food, drinks, and favors play a key role in creating a fun and welcoming atmosphere. You want to ensure your guests enjoy tasty options and feel appreciated with thoughtful favors.

Catering Ideas for Every Palate

When planning the menu, consider a mix of dishes that cater to different tastes.

You could serve bite-sized appetizers like mini sliders, caprese skewers, and fruit cups. These choices allow guests to mingle while enjoying food. Opt for a main course like a pasta dish or a salad bar. This gives everyone the chance to pick their favorites and customize their plates.

Don’t forget to include vegetarian and gluten-free options to accommodate various dietary preferences.

Desserts are also important; consider a dessert table with cupcakes, cookies, and a small wedding cake to tie in the bridal theme. For more ideas, check out options from Delicious Table.

Beverage Selections

Drinks can elevate the mood of your bridal shower. A mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options will cater to all your guests.

For a chic touch, serve champagne or mimosas for an elegant vibe. You might also consider a signature cocktail that represents the bride’s personality or favorite flavors.

Don’t forget to have refreshing non-alcoholic drinks like iced tea, lemonade, or sparkling water available. Having a variety ensures all guests can feel included and enjoy the celebratory atmosphere.

Choosing Memorable Party Favors

Party favors are a nice way to thank your guests for joining the celebration.

You can choose items that reflect the bridal shower theme and the bride’s style. Consider personalized items like mini succulents or candles.

These small gifts can leave a lasting impression. You could also opt for sweet treats, such as custom cookies or chocolate boxes.

Remember to label the favors with a thank you tag or the couple’s names and wedding date. This added touch makes the favors feel special and memorable. For creative ideas, explore options from Brides.com.